AROUND 1,500 people enjoyed a taste of the Royal Welsh Show in the shadow of Chepstow Castle.

The event, organised by Dr Glyn Jones of Chepstow, is part of the fundraising for a new equine block at the showground in Builth Wells being organised by this year's feature county, Gwent.

Dr Jones said: "When I was a member of the Ceredigion committee in 2010 I organised a taste of the Royal Welsh at Aberystwyth – everyone thought I was a bit mad but it brought a flavour of the show to people on a busy weekend.

"We've done the same here by linking the countryside and town and, on the same day as the Chepstow independents' market, ensuring a busy day for Chepstow."

The day included sheep shearing, poultry, country crafts and flower demonstrations and a dog show as well as performances by the Chepstow Castle Singing Club – who did a song in French for a visiting football team from France – and singer Leesa Cartwright.

A quiz with a prize of two tickets to the Royal Welsh between Monday, July 20 and Thursday, July 23 was won by Mr Richard Skinner of Sedbury.

Dr Jones also welcomed the Royal Welsh chief executive Steve Hughson and deputy Aled Jones, who had canoed down the River Wye from Monmouth to Whitebrook and then cycled to Chepstow.

When they arrived they were set a challenge to create hand-tied posies by flower arrangers Honor Gilbert, Jan Howells-Jones and Liz Preece.

The event raised £1,700.

•See this week's Review for more photographs.